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More Travelers Take Their Tech With Them [STUDY]

World travelers are changing their technology-totting ways, an Intel survey says. Today, more travelers are carrying their laptops, smartphones and devices with them to the airport despite hefty security and baggage fees.

About 44% of the Intel-commissioned survey's 2,500 participants said they feel anxious traveling without their devices. Can social media and Internet access improve a vacation? Around 87% of the young adults surveyed said "yes" — they were "happier" on tech-connected trips.

"The primary thing we saw was that there's a very stark contrast between the way people used to travel and the way that they travel today," Mike Fard, Intel Ambassador, tells Mashable. "We found people have a few must-haves on their trip."

Survey participants were 18 to 66 years old. About 64% of respondents said they often sacrifice personal appearance — leaving their blowdryers, toiletries, clothes and shoes — to make room for their devices. Jet-setters also said they would forego "comfort and hygiene" to be close to a power source — such as sitting on the floor for outlet access.

Though many individuals expressed trips are generally better with technology, participants also said they suffered anger and anxiety when traveling with technology. Individuals said they suffer from "outlet outrage," when there's no power source to plug into.

Survey responders also expressed having constant anxiety about losing their mobile phones on trips. These anxiety-ridden travelers said they feel more jitters about losing their "mobile computing device" than their wedding ring.

Fard explains that, with technology, "people find that they're more empowered than ever to be able to do the things that they want to do at any time whether it's planning, getting feedback from family, asking people questions." So, all that anxiety might be worth it.

The company will use the survey results to create next-generation laptops and ultrabooks that are light and compact. Future ultrabooks and laptops will be built with long-lasting batters, travel-friendly power cords, and extra security measures.

Intel also made this fun graphic about new tech travel norms:

Do you travel with your devices? Share with us in the comments if you suffer separation anxiety with your tech.

Mashable
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